Do adults with ADHD hide their diagnosis socially due to stigma?

PostedOctober 1, 2025

UpdatedOctober 1, 2025

ByMy Patient Advice

Author: Harriet Winslow, BSc | Reviewed by: Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS

ADHD stigma remains a significant barrier for many adults, leading some to hide their diagnosis in social settings. The fear of being judged or misunderstood often causes individuals with ADHD to mask their behaviours, suppressing traits such as impulsivity, distractibility, or emotional reactivity. This phenomenon, known as social masking, can create immense emotional strain.

The shame that comes with ADHD stigma can lead to feelings of inadequacy or fear of rejection, making it difficult for individuals to be open about their condition. The desire to fit in or avoid perceived negative judgement can encourage people to hide their struggles, even from close friends and family. This lack of self-acceptance can prevent individuals from seeking support or using strategies that might improve their quality of life.

How It Affects Social Interactions

Increased emotional burden

Hiding ADHD symptoms can lead to internalised shame, causing stress and anxiety in social situations.

Strained relationships

Social masking can create misunderstandings, as friends and family may not fully understand the reasons behind certain behaviours.

Hindrance to personal growth

The fear of disclosure limits opportunities for self-acceptance and personal development.

Overcoming ADHD stigma starts with understanding, education, and open conversations. When adults with ADHD are able to embrace self-acceptance and disclose their condition, they can build stronger, more supportive relationships and navigate social interactions with greater ease.

Visit providers like ADHD Certify for personal consultations and expert advice tailored to your needs.

For a deeper dive into the science, diagnosis, and full treatment landscape, read our complete guide to Social Relationships.

Harriet Winslow, BSc

Author

Harriet Winslow is a clinical psychologist with a Bachelor’s in Clinical Psychology and extensive experience in behaviour therapy and developmental disorders. She has worked with children and adolescents with ADHD, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), learning disabilities, and behavioural challenges, providing individual and group therapy using evidence-based approaches such as CBT and DBT. Dr. Winslow has developed and implemented personalised treatment plans, conducted formal and informal assessments, and delivered crisis intervention for clients in need of urgent mental health care. Her expertise spans assessment, treatment planning, and behavioural intervention for both neurodevelopmental and mental health conditions.

All qualifications and professional experience stated above are authentic and verified by our editorial team. However, pseudonym and image likeness are used to protect the author's privacy.

Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS

Reviewer

Dr. Rebecca Fernandez is a UK-trained physician with an MBBS and experience in general surgery, cardiology, internal medicine, gynecology, intensive care, and emergency medicine. She has managed critically ill patients, stabilised acute trauma cases, and provided comprehensive inpatient and outpatient care. In psychiatry, Dr. Fernandez has worked with psychotic, mood, anxiety, and substance use disorders, applying evidence-based approaches such as CBT, ACT, and mindfulness-based therapies. Her skills span patient assessment, treatment planning, and the integration of digital health solutions to support mental well-being.

All qualifications and professional experience stated above are authentic and verified by our editorial team. However, pseudonym and image likeness are used to protect the reviewer's privacy.